First Impressions of Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight
The Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight is a crucial component for any 1911 enthusiast seeking to improve their pistol’s accuracy and sight picture. As a seasoned shooter with over a decade of experience, I’ve always sought ways to squeeze every last bit of performance from my firearms, and a quality front sight is often a cost-effective upgrade. This offering from Kensight, promising precision and durability, immediately piqued my interest.
My aging eyes started having trouble acquiring the original, smaller front sight on my Colt 70 Series 1911. I was looking for a brighter, more visible sight that would allow me to maintain accuracy at the range without straining.
Upon receiving the Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight, I was immediately impressed by the apparent quality of the machining and finish. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel felt substantial and looked like it could withstand the rigors of regular use. Compared to some of the MIM (Metal Injection Molded) sights I’ve encountered, this one felt like a significant step up in terms of build quality. My initial excitement definitely grew.
While there are numerous aftermarket 1911 front sights available from brands like Trijicon and Dawson Precision, I chose the Kensight offering due to its balance of quality, features, and price point. Many competing sights are significantly more expensive, and I was eager to see if the Kensight could deliver similar performance at a more accessible price. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would be a worthwhile upgrade and not just another piece of kit gathering dust in my range bag.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight on my trusty Colt 70 Series 1911 and headed straight to my local shooting range. The weather was a typical overcast day, providing relatively consistent lighting conditions, perfect for evaluating sight visibility. The range offered distances from 7 yards to 25 yards, giving me a good opportunity to test the sight at various distances.
The Kensight sight immediately provided a clearer and more defined sight picture compared to the original front sight. Even under the overcast conditions, the black sight stood out well against the target, allowing for faster target acquisition. There were no issues with installation, and it felt rock solid after being properly fitted into the dovetail.
I experienced no immediate issues after the first use. The sight remained firmly in place, and the enhanced visibility was noticeable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, including multiple range trips and participation in a local shooting competition, the Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade. It has held up exceptionally well.
There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction has resisted scratches and dings, even after repeated handling and holster use.
Cleaning and maintaining the sight is simple. A quick wipe-down with a solvent-dampened cloth is all it takes to remove any residue or fouling. The sight has exhibited no signs of rust or corrosion. Compared to previous experiences with cheaper sights that would loosen or shift after a few hundred rounds, the Kensight has remained steadfast and consistent. It has definitely outperformed my expectations, providing a significant improvement in my shooting accuracy and confidence.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Kensight
- Gun Make: 1911 Platform
- Gun Model: 1911
- Color: Black
- Fabric/Material: 4140 Chrome Moly Steel
- Gun Type: Pistol
- Mount Type: Dovetail
These specifications are important because they directly impact the sight’s durability, visibility, and compatibility with the 1911 platform. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel ensures a robust and long-lasting sight. The dovetail mount makes the sight secure.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight performs its job admirably, providing a clear and precise aiming point. Accuracy has definitely improved with the enhanced visibility.
The sight’s main strength is its simplicity and effectiveness. It’s a straightforward design that provides a crisp and clear sight picture. A potential weakness might be the lack of fiber optic or tritium inserts for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, but for the price, it’s a worthwhile tradeoff. The sight has exceeded my expectations for a basic front sight.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight boasts a clean and functional design. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction gives it a solid and substantial feel.
The sight is easy to install and use. The dovetail mount ensures a secure fit, and the black finish is non-reflective and unobtrusive. There’s virtually no learning curve, making it a user-friendly upgrade for any 1911 owner.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction, the Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight should last for many years with proper care. This metal is well-known for it’s resilience.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication to prevent rust or corrosion. The sight’s robust construction minimizes the need for repairs.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight itself doesn’t come with any accessories, but it’s compatible with most standard 1911 dovetail sight cuts. This allows for potential customization with different height options to adjust point of impact.
While Kensight may offer other sights with fiber optic or tritium inserts, this particular model is a straightforward black blade. Compatibility with aftermarket dovetail sight tools is excellent, making installation and adjustment a breeze.
Pros and Cons of Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight
Pros
- Durable 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Enhanced sight picture compared to smaller factory sights.
- Simple and easy installation with a standard dovetail mount.
- Excellent value for the price, providing a significant upgrade without breaking the bank.
- Improved accuracy and target acquisition at the range.
Cons
- Lacks fiber optic or tritium inserts for enhanced low-light visibility.
- Simple black blade design may not appeal to users seeking more advanced features.
Who Should Buy Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight?
The Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight is perfect for 1911 owners looking to improve their pistol’s accuracy and sight picture without spending a fortune. It’s especially well-suited for recreational shooters, target shooters, and anyone who appreciates a simple, durable, and effective upgrade.
Those seeking enhanced low-light visibility should consider sights with fiber optic or tritium inserts. Anyone looking for a high-tech, feature-rich sight might be disappointed by the Kensight’s straightforward design. A must-have accessory would be a good quality dovetail sight pusher tool to make installation easier and prevent damage to the sight or slide.
Conclusion on Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight
The Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight is a solid and reliable upgrade for any 1911 owner seeking to improve their shooting accuracy. The sight’s 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction ensures durability, while its enhanced visibility provides a clear and precise aiming point.
The price is definitely justified. For around $24, you get a noticeable improvement in performance and durability compared to factory sights.
I would absolutely recommend the Kensight Colt 70 Series Target 1911 Front Sight to anyone looking for a simple, effective, and affordable upgrade for their 1911. Upgrade your sight picture and improve your accuracy. You won’t regret it.